§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage farmers net returns have risen in the United Kingdom since 1980; what information he has on comparable returns in each of the other European Community countries; and if he swill make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe most recent assessment of aggregate total income from farming in the United Kingdom, in current prices, indicates an increase of around 55 per cent. between 1980 and 1990. When expressed in real terms and per annual work unit, this measure of income fell by a little over 5 per cent. between 1980 and 1990. This latter definition corresponds to an income indicator—"indicator 3"—published by Eurostat for the member states, changes in which are shown in the table. These include forecasts for 1990 made one year ago and are subject to revision.
Real 1 net income from agricultural activity of family labour input per annual work unit (Indicator 3): percentage change between 1980 and 1990 (forecast) Percent Belgium +7.3 Denmark2 +242.7 Germany +34.7 Greece +27.2 Spain +40.1 France +29.3 Ireland +62.9 Italy -32.2 Luxembourg +70.3 Netherlands +82.5 Portugal -5.9 Source: Eurostat
Notes:
1 Figures have been expressed in real terms using the GDP deflator.
2 Incomes in Denmark were particularly low in 1980.